Originally announced by Xiamen Airlines in May 2011, the order has a list-price value of $1.3 billion.

Xiamen Airlines has finalized an order for six Boeing 787-8s.

Originally announced by Xiamen Airlines in May 2011, the order has a list-price value of $1.3 billion.

On August 26, 2013, China’s Xiamen Airlines finalized an order for six 787-8s. Originally announced by Xiamen Airlines in May 2011, the order had a list-price value of $1.3 billion. This computer graphic image shows a Boeing 787-8 in Xiamen Airlines livery

“Adding 787s to our all-Boeing fleet is a strategic decision to facilitate our international expansion plans,” says Che Shanglun, president and CEO of Xiamen Airlines. “The range and efficiency of the 787 makes it an ideal fit in our new, non-stop international routes.”

As China’s only all-Boeing carrier, Xiamen Airlines has earned a profit for 27 consecutive years, which according to Boeing is one of the most consistently successful financial performances in the airline industry.

Xiamen Airlines’ expanding international network currently focuses on southeast and northeast Asia. With the introduction of the Boeing 787 Dreamliners beginning in July 2014, the airline plans to launch new long-haul routes from its hub at Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (IATA code XMN) in Fujian province to Europe, North America and Australia.

The airline currently operates a fleet of 97 aircraft, including 17 Boeing 737-700s, 74 Boeing 737-800s and six 757-200s. Its network is comprised of 218 domestic routes and 26 international and regional routes.

At the beginning of August 2011, Xiamen Airlines took delivery of the 50th Boeing commercial jet directly ordered by the carrier. The milestone aircraft, a 737-700, incorporated both Boeing’s High-Altitude/High-Temperature Airport Operations Feature Package and the new Boeing Sky Interior. Shown here is the 737-700 arriving at Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport

Xiamen Airlines will take delivery of its 100th Boeing jet, a Boeing 737-800, in November 2013.

The carrier has ordered or agreed to lease a total of 142 737-800s and has also ordered 30 Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets.

According to Wikipedia, Xiamen Airlines also has six indigenously produced COMAC ARJ21-700 regional jets on order. However, the ARJ21 production program has been plagued by long delays relating to certification requirements and there is no official confirmation when or even if the aircraft will actually be delivered.

Founded in 1984 and now a member of the SkyTeam Alliance, Xiamen Airlines is headquartered in the coastal city of Xiamen in the province of Fujian. The area boasts a thriving and diverse industrial economy as well as a growing tourism market, according to Boeing.